MARKETPLACE ROUND-UP

Amtrak "is so exasperated by being the butt" of Jay Leno's
jokes on NBC's "Tonight Show" that it has decided to "yank" about
$2M in advertising from NBC (WASHINGTON POST,
10/14)....Enviromint has been licensed by MLB to mint a limited
edition of 5,714 pure silver half pound medallions, commemorating
Nolan Ryan's strikeout record. A 24-karat gold select version
has also been minted and restricted to 324 pieces in honor of
Ryan's career wins (Enviromint). ....Universal Electronics will
launch the Sports Clicker -- a one-for-all TV/VCR/Cable box
remote in the shape of a football. The NFL-licensed and themed
remote device will be available for the holidays. The company
hopes to follow with remotes licensed by MLB, NBA and the NHL
(BRANDWEEK, 10/10 issue)....ESPN and Tommy Boy Music join in a
new marketing venture for a new 15-song album, "ESPN Presents
Jock Rock." The CD/cassette consists of sports anthems, chants
and cheers frequently heard at ballparks and arenas (BRANDWEEK,
10/10 issue)....After nearly two years of delays, Nike Inc. has
decided to go-ahead on construction of a $13.5M superstore in
Boston. The store will be located just a few doors away from "a
similar but smaller concept store" run by Reebok (BOSTON GLOBE,
10/13)....Joining the ranks of the other three pro sports, the
NHL is "readying a grassroots roller hockey program that will
roll out next summer in a handful of markets." The NHL roller
hockey tournament will be held at between five and eight NHL
cities next summer, with player appearances and local team
support. The venture is being compared to the NBA's successful
"Hoop-it-Up" 3-on-3 tournament (BRANDWEEK, 10/10 issue).